Iran in talks with Nigeria for World Cup warm-up friendly

Iran are weighing up a potential international friendly against Nigeria in March as they step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The country’s football authorities are putting the final touches on their pre-tournament schedule and have shortlisted the Super Eagles as one of the possible opponents.

According to the Tehran Times, Iran’s governing body is close to confirming its schedule, noting that “the Football Federation of Iran is expected to officially announce Team Melli’s friendly match schedule as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

The report adds that discussions have already been opened with Nigeria and another CONCACAF nation.

“The federation has been in negotiations with the football federations of Costa Rica and Nigeria to arrange two warm-up matches in March.”

The publication also references earlier high-profile plans, explaining that the move “follows earlier announcements suggesting Iran would face European heavyweights Spain and Portugal in preparation fixtures.”

Iran have already been drawn into into Group G, where they will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

For Nigeria, any March engagement remains subject to FIFA’s impending ruling on the country’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.

The Super Eagles were eliminated from direct qualification after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat in the African play-off final in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently filed a complaint on December 15, alleging that six Congolese players who featured in the match were ineligible due to recent changes in international allegiance.

FIFA is expected to deliver its decision today, Febuary 16, and the NFF general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi has expressed confidence in the case

“We have a good case. We do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”

Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the team would advance to the six-nation intercontinental play-off tournament scheduled for March in Mexico instead, leaving little scope for friendlies.